The Russia-Ukraine conflict intensified dramatically on Sunday with Ukraine launching one of its largest drone offensives yet, targeting strategic Russian military sites, including nuclear-capable bombers. The attack, coordinated over three time zones deep inside Russian territory, marks a significant escalation just a day before new peace talks are set to begin in Istanbul.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy hailed the assault as a "brilliant operation", claiming it had taken more than a year and a half of planning and resulted in the destruction of over 40 Russian aircraft, including 34% of Russia’s strategic cruise missile carriers.
"Today, a brilliant operation was carried out — on enemy territory, targeting only military objectives, specifically the equipment used to strike Ukraine. Russia suffered significant losses — entirely justified and deserved," Zelenskyy declared in a video address.
117 Drones Used in Massive Strike
Zelenskyy revealed that 117 drones had been deployed, coordinated by operators positioned across several Russian regions. The strike also reportedly involved operatives who had been extracted safely from Russian territory just before the operation began.
“It’s genuinely satisfying when something I authorised a year and six months ago comes to fruition and deprives Russians of over forty units of strategic aviation. We will continue this work,” Zelenskyy said, emphasizing the strategic importance of the attack.
According to Zelenskyy, the operation’s control room had been set up next to the local headquarters of the FSB, Russia’s intelligence and security agency, highlighting the depth of infiltration and intelligence gathering behind the mission.
Bridge Attack Amid Train Passage
In another blow to Russia, a highway bridge was blown up just as a passenger train was crossing it. While further details on casualties are yet to emerge, the coordinated timing suggests it may have been part of Ukraine’s multi-pronged pressure strategy.
Peace Talks Despite Firestorm
Ironically, the massive escalation unfolded just ahead of direct peace talks between Ukraine and Russia, scheduled for Monday in Istanbul. Zelenskyy reaffirmed Ukraine’s commitment to seeking peace, but voiced skepticism over Russia's intentions.
“Pressure is truly needed — pressure on Russia that should bring it back to reality. Pressure through sanctions. Pressure from our forces. Pressure through diplomacy. All of it must work together,” the Ukrainian President said in a post on X.
Ukraine has been urging Moscow to share its promised memorandum outlining terms for ending the war, but Zelenskyy noted that neither Kyiv, Turkey, nor the United States has received the document.
“The Russians, however, have not shared their 'memorandum' with anyone — we don't have it, the Turkish side doesn't have it, and the American side doesn't have the Russian document either. Despite this, we will try to achieve at least some progress on the path toward peace,” Zelenskyy added.
Russia Silent, Demanding Concessions
Moscow has maintained it wants to address the so-called “root causes” of the conflict, including barring Ukraine from joining NATO, limiting its military capabilities, and demanding territorial concessions — positions Kyiv has rejected as unacceptable.
